How do you find the right 3PL logistics provider in Melbourne? You’re looking to expand and deliver to more cities, but you need to find someone you can trust.
We will address each of these points and some others that are relevant:
- How much does 3pl warehousing in Melbourne cost?
- What regional factors affect 3pl pricing?
- What should you look for in a Melbourne 3PL company?
- A quick overview of Melbourne and it’s infrastructure
- What are the benefits of using a local 3PL logistics company in Melbourne specifically?
Let’s begin with the costs. Will using a 3PL in Melbourne be cheaper, or more expensive than managing the logistics yourself?
How Much Does 3PL Warehousing in Melbourne Cost?
The cost of using 3PL logistics in Melbourne depends on your product type, order volumes, and service requirements.
Regional Factors That Affect 3PL Pricing
Melbourne’s competitive warehousing market generally offers more cost-effective 3PL pricing than smaller or more remote cities.
However, costs are influenced by:
1. Proximity to Ports and Freight Terminals
Being near the Port of Melbourne and major road networks helps reduce inbound and outbound transport costs.
2. Labour Market and Demand
Melbourne’s skilled logistics workforce supports operational efficiency, but labour rates may vary by suburb and demand.
3. Warehouse Availability
High demand for storage in inner suburbs like Tullamarine, Truganina, or Dandenong can drive up warehouse leasing and service costs.
4. Delivery Zones
Shipping to regional or remote areas (e.g. Western Australia, Northern Territory) incurs higher freight costs than metro VIC/NSW routes.
What to Look for in a Melbourne 3PL Logistics Company
Not all 3PL providers offer the same level of service. When evaluating your options, consider the following:
- Warehouse location and capacity
- Integration with your eCommerce or ERP platforms
- SLA performance on fulfilment and delivery
- Transparent pricing and scalability
- Industry experience (such as retail, medical, B2B, fashion)
Ask for a Recommendation
At Global 3PL, we have 30+ years experience dealing with the top 3PL warehouses in Melbourne. Ask us for a 3PL that’s best suited to your product range.
Or, read on to get an overview of the city of Melbourne and warehousing options.
A quick overview of Melbourne
Home to the Port of Melbourne, the largest container and general cargo port in Australia, Melbourne is a major freight gateway.
It’s strategically connected via highways, rail freight, and air (Melbourne Airport handles significant cargo volumes).
Top universities like University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT are located here. Major Australian and multinational companies have headquarters here. As such, it’s a magnet for international students and workers, and multi-cultural.
The city hosts global events like the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Melbourne supports a wide range of industries including retail, manufacturing, FMCG, healthcare, and tech.
There is a high concentration of 3PL logistics providers, especially in industrial zones like Truganina, Dandenong South, and Tullamarine.
What Is 3PL Warehousing?
Basically, 3PL warehousing means storing your products in someone else’s warehouse, and they handle packing and shipping of your orders for you. When someone orders your product, the warehouse staff pick it, pack it, and send it out.
It’s a way to outsource logistics in another city, so you don’t have to do it yourself.
What other options are there for warehousing in Melbourne?
When you start looking for warehousing space in Melbourne, you may consider:
- Renting a warehouse
- Buying space in someone else’s warehouse
- Outsourcing your warehousing and delivery to a third party logistics provider
3PL providers are becoming increasingly popular as they are able to provide the benefits of bulk warehousing to individual companies.
Outsourcing to a 3PL warehouse means THEY will manage:
- Warehouse security
- Staff for the warehouse
- Warehouse management software
- Stocktaking
- Transport systems
- End-to-end deliveries
Strategic Benefits of using a Local 3PL Logistics Company in Melbourne:
1. Strategic distribution location
Melbourne offers direct access to major highways, ports, and freight routes—allowing for efficient delivery to other cities, with faster lead times to VIC, NSW, SA and ACT.
2. Less operating cost
By outsourcing to a 3PL logistics partner, you avoid capital investments in warehouses, equipment, and labour.
3. More time for core business
Letting professionals handle your logistics allows you to concentrate on sales, product development, and growth.
4. You harness tech-driven systems
Leading 3PL warehousing providers in Melbourne use advanced systems for real-time inventory visibility, order tracking, and data analytics.
5. Speed to market
A good 3PL in Melbourne will help you start delivering to customers in a new city faster than you could on your own.
6. Faster customer deliveries
You deliver a pallet load of products to the 3PL, and the 3PL delivers to your customers in Melbourne much faster than you could from your location.
In addition, last-mile costs for Melbourne-based orders are reduced.
7. Specialised 3PL Warehousing in Melbourne
3PLs are specialised in various markets, such as refrigerated logistics, the automotive industry, and white glove packing techniques.
You just need to find the 3PL that fits with your product range.
Get Help to Find the right 3PL in Melbourne
As a global network of independent 3PL companies, we can advise you on a 3PL in Melbourne that will be a good match for your company.
You can book a call with us here